2021 Portola Springs Vineyard Chardonnay

The 2021 vintage was a welcome change from the catastrophe of 2020. Harvest began in Pinot Noir in early September, which is an historically average starting date. Sugar and acidity levels tracked well and while the crop size was shorter than we would prefer, we were able to harvest perfectly ripened fruit at a reasonable pace. The resulting wines have excellent balance and intensity. In our recent past there are some similarities to 2019 in that the wines possess great elegance and site specificity.

"The 2021 Chardonnay Portola Springs Vineyard is one of the most expressive Chardonnays in this range, and also a wine that brings together so many of the elements that are house signatures. Light tropical accents, white flowers, apricot and pastry grace this open-knit, inviting Chardonnay. Soft contours wrap it all together in style." -Antonio Galloni, Vinous 93 points
Our steepest and most “extreme” site for Chardonnay, the Portola Springs Vineyard produces structured and precise wine. The soil is heavily streaked with basalt, and the volcanic nature of these soils gives the wine a freshness and linear nature that is decidedly different than much of the Estate. These meager soils and extreme exposure leads to a very unique expression of California Chardonnay. This is always one of the last blocks to be picked at the winery.